History
The history of Azerbaijan spans millennia: from the rock art of Gobustan and the ancient state of Atropatene to the era of the Shirvanshahs, the Silk Road and the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918. In this section we write about events, dynasties, monuments and legends that shaped the country. Read how Azerbaijan's past is reflected in its cities, traditions and character.
The Zangezur Corridor and Its Impact on Tourism in Azerbaijan
The Zangezur Corridor is a transport link planned to connect mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through southern Armenia. For Azerbaijan this is a question not only of logistics but of everyday geography: Nakhchivan is separated from the rest of the country by a strip of Armenian territory about thirty kilometers wide. For a traveller, the main question is simpler: will th...
The Mystery of the Maiden Tower in Baku: A Riddle Centuries Have Not Solved
On the shore of the Caspian Sea, in the heart of ancient Baku, deep inside the maze of narrow lanes of the Old City, stands a mysterious stone tower. Heavy, silent and almost grown into the rock, it has seen so many sunrises and sunsets that it has become part of the horizon itself. Its walls have heard the prayers of pagan priests, reflected the light of ancient Zoroastrian ritual fires, and may ...
The Flag of Azerbaijan: History, Meaning of the Colours and National Flag Square in Baku
The flag of Azerbaijan is a tricolour with a white crescent and an eight-pointed star. Its history began in 1918, in the time of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), and today the flag is one of Baku’s main sights thanks to the huge flagpole at National Flag Square.In short: the tricolour was adopted on 9 November 1918; it became the state flag again on 5 February 1991; Flag Day is celebrated...
Jazz in Azerbaijan: From Forbidden Music to Jazz-Mugham
Jazz in Azerbaijan is more than a musical genre: it is a story about freedom, improvisation and the ability to bring East and West together. Baku became one of the few Soviet capitals where jazz did not simply survive the restrictions but grew into a school of its own, with its own heroes and its own sound. How Jazz Reached Baku The first jazz sounds reached Baku in the 1920s, when gramophon...
The First Electric Train in the USSR Ran in Baku: History and Today’s Suburban Trains
When people talk about the infrastructure achievements of the 20th century, they rarely mention that the USSR’s first electric train ran in Baku. The city, surrounded by oil fields and the Caspian Sea, was not only an energy centre but also a pioneer of electrified suburban transport. In short: on July 6, 1926 the first electrified railway section in the USSR started operating on the Baku–Sabunch...
Azerbaijani Mugham: The Soul of the National Music
Have you ever heard music that seems to speak to your heart without words? Welcome to the world of Azerbaijani mugham, a unique musical tradition that lives between sound, silence and emotion. Mugham is more than a genre: it is part of Azerbaijan’s cultural code, its history and philosophy, captured in voices, melodies and improvisation.Mugham can sound like both meditation and confession. It spea...
May 28 in Azerbaijan: Independence Day and the History of the ADR
May 28 is Independence Day in Azerbaijan, one of the country’s most important national holidays. In 2026 it marks the 108th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the first parliamentary republic in the Muslim world. Until 2021 the holiday was called Republic Day. Today May 28 is a day off, while October 18 is marked as Independence Restoration Day (1991).Why does this date matte...
National Cinema Day in Azerbaijan: From Alexander Mishon to "Arshin Mal Alan"
Every year on August 2, Azerbaijan celebrates National Cinema Day. The date was established by a decree of President Heydar Aliyev on 18 December 2000 to highlight the unique history and achievements of Azerbaijani cinema, which is considered one of the oldest in the region. It is a professional holiday for film workers, and in Baku the day is marked with ceremonies and film screenings. The Beg...
The Origin of the Name Azerbaijan: Four Theories
The name Azerbaijan sounds proud and great. It seems closely connected with this ancient land, its culture, people and history. References to this name go back to ancient times. During the period of the Arab Caliphate, the region was already called the Emirate of Azerbaijan. Historical sources from that time also say that the name has an ancient origin. Today, scientists still do not have o...
Saint Bartholomew Chapel: A Forgotten Monument of Faith at the Foot of the Maiden Tower
At the foot of the Maiden Tower in central Baku, in the old city, among narrow streets and ancient stones, lies the foundation of a chapel. This is all that remains of the Chapel of Saint Bartholomew—a small church that stood here for less than fifty years, yet its history stretches back centuries, into the first century of our era. According to Christian tradition, the Apostle Bartholomew, one o...
Lankaran Khan Palace — Monument to Love, Architecture & Talysh Heritage
In the center of Lankaran, on Mir Mustafa Khan Street, stands a building that immediately catches your attention. It is white, three-storied, with elegant stained-glass windows and clearly visible traces of European craftsmanship in every detail. This is the Khan Palace — a monument to history, an architectural masterpiece, and, as locals say, a palace of love. The story of its creation is one...
What Life Was Like on the Silk Road in Azerbaijan
Discover the Silk Road in Azerbaijan — ancient caravan routes, Sheki, Baku, caravanserais and the history of East-West trade.
Why Baku Is Called the City Where East Meets Europe
Discover why Baku is known as the city where East meets Europe. Explore its history, architecture, Old City, oil boom, and unique atmosphere.
Shusha — The Cultural Capital of the Caucasus: History of the City of Music and Poetry
Discover Shusha, the cultural capital of the Caucasus. Learn about its history, mugham music, famous poets, ancient fortress, Jidir Duzu plateau, and the most important landmarks of this historic city of Azerbaijan.
Medieval Fortresses of Azerbaijan: Legends, Battles and Ancient Castles of the Caucasus
Discover the history of Azerbaijan’s most impressive fortresses — Chiraq Gala, Alinja Kala, Gulistan and Ramana. Legends, battles and dramatic stories hidden in the ancient walls of the Caucasus.
The Land of Fire: Why Azerbaijan Is Called the Country of Fire
Discover why Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire — from ancient Zoroastrian temples and Yanar Dag to natural gas flames and cultural traditions.
Ramadan Bayram in Azerbaijan: A Celebration of Light After a Month of Reflection
Experience Ramadan Bayram in Azerbaijan — a holiday of faith, family, charity and centuries-old traditions in the Land of Fire.
Caucasian Albania: The Ancient Civilization of Azerbaijan
Discover the story of Caucasian Albania, an ancient kingdom in present-day Azerbaijan, its early Christianity, cities, fortresses and cultural legacy that still shapes the region today.